Care Archives – Thoppia

Summer-ready homes

Posted on January 31, 2023February 1, 2023 by Rekha Sathyan

Summertime is just starting, and the homes are getting warm already. Don’t you think so too? So, here we are just in time to remind you to stock up on summer essentials. Got to grab them soon, before it gets all tiring and sweaty around!

Before we dive in, we hope you guessed by now what the essentials are. Did you? Yup, our all-time favourites – Curtains and Bed sheets. These definitely need a make-over (or more accurately, a change-over) during the summers.

What to look for in a curtain?

We often expect curtains to be just pretty and forget their core need in a house. There are different types of curtains that help control lighting and atmosphere (Nope, we are not talking about a digital curtain, here).

Consider this. If you have one room with moderate light coming through the windows and the living room with a brighter setting, it is not practical to buy thick blackout curtains for both rooms. There are specific curtains designed for such purposes. Custom curtains are helpful in this case, especially when you wish for the same curtain in both rooms. All you got to do is choose different linings based on the thickness needed.

For summers, a breezy curtain is clearly preferred. Linens and Cotton are great choices to opt for. The pure version of these materials sets up the space to allow proper ventilation for the room. Putting up linen and cotton curtains gets the room in a relaxing mood.

Getting the bed sheets right

Remember the summer holidays, when you pack your beds and sheets to the terrace for a good night’s sleep? Yeah, those were some good times!

But in today’s world, not everyone has the luxury to turn terrace space into a makeshift bedroom. So what’s the quick solution? Get your bed sheets right!

Settling for an airy bed sheet material (basically cotton and linens again) is the wiser choice. Light-shaded ones may not seem like the ideal ones to settle for. However, neutral shades and pastel shades will allow the ambience to be lighter on the eyes and feel. It’s smart not to go for block, solid colours.

Comfort over Style?

Yup! That’s a good call. But what if we had the luxury to choose both, compromising neither style nor comfort?

Silky and synthetic bed sheets might sound like a heavenly sleep time. But how long do you think that’s going to last? For the summer heat and changing body temperatures, bed sheets and almost every other home furnishing item ought to be forgiving and soulful. The fabric must be able to blend in with the needs of the hour and give you access to a calming and stress-free environment. Trust us, the right fabric tends to do the magic.

So, there you have it! Summer essentials are basically your guide to a happy and healthy home too. Get stocking already!

Table Etiquette for Beginners

Posted on January 5, 2023January 5, 2023 by Rekha Sathyan

Ever thought napkins are for aesthetics and not for actual use? Have you ever been confused about where to put the fork and knife? Let’s just say you’re not alone in this. All of us have gone through (still going through) this phase. Good table etiquette is essential for a fine dining experience

So, here we are to guide you on table etiquettes that you probably did not know among other fancy ones. Yup, we’ll stick to the basic simple manners that are good enough to shine at a fancy meet-up or a party.

Always Check with the Host

Hosting is a creative process with responsibilities like cleaning, setting menus, seating, and games. So it’s only fair to play the nice guest to the ones hosting, right?

For starters, always be mindful of the space you’re in. Usually, parties at home might have some extra decor to keep the place welcoming. It could be a small vase on the table or a neat array of cutleries. Notice them beforehand, and be sure not to mishandle them.

Then comes respecting the hosts’ efforts. Allow them to give you the green signal at every step. For example, don’t just barge in the food as soon as you reach the dining area. Make sure the host joins/ is around you, and then start with the meals. If you have any crisis, address it privately. This way, the vibe in the room remains undisturbed.

If the meet-up is at a restaurant, make sure you still watch your host closely. Follow their activity. Not the creepy way! But as an observer. It helps you pace your meal time, understand the dining culture (if the place/ town is new to you), and not overshadow the host.

Know what’s on the table

If you’re fine dining for the first time, there is a chance that you are a bit clueless about what goes where. Or even the question – “what is this on the table?” may come up. Let us take you through a few basics that you ought to know.

Table Napkins

The first and foremost important item for any dining setting!

Folded napkins are present before the start of the meal. What do you do with them? Unfold the napkin very gently and place it on your lap. It must remain there till the end of the meal unless, of course, you want to use it for dabbing. Once the meal is done, the napkin is placed on the left of your plate in a half-folded style. This step conveys that your meal is complete.

cotton table napkins — Cotton Table Napkins

Table runners

Table runners are a bit of a mystery for most people out there. Usually, they are present to accentuate decor pieces like candles, lamps, flower vases or just flowers. In other cases, runners are used to keeping the dishes in a neat alignment. Either way, table runners exist to bring attention and excitement to the items on the table. They also help prevent stains, cutlery scratches, and other imprints that make the table look clumsy.

Table mats

These are basically mats for your plates. No matter what part of the meal course you’re on, your eating activity will be within the space of the table mat. It helps maintain neatness with the cover-up of food spills, heat marks, and liquid spills. If you notice, forks, spoons and knives are arranged around the position of the table mat. It can also be considered as a boundary to maintain your table etiquette.

Coasters

These are probably the simplest table accessories for you to figure out. Once poured into glasses, hot and cold beverages on the table are set on top of such coasters to prevent table marks and scratches. Glasses are placed a little away from the table mat to have enough space for other dishes. So, all you got to remember is ‘wherever the glass goes, the coasters follow’.

A complete meal

Eating food the right way becomes extremely important when large gatherings are held. It basically avoids all possible chaotic interventions, maintaining decorum. Now, that’s something pleasant and considerate to do.

Too much clink and clatter on the table? Try these simple hacks next time:

Hold the knife on the right and the fork on the left. It helps you consume your food without much hassle.
Ask politely for the food at the other end to be passed and avoid interrupting in-between others’ meals.
Do not hit ‘cheers’ aiming for a loud clanking sound. Sometimes, gestures are more than enough too.

There! We have all the basics of table etiquette covered! You’re all set to experience some fine dining indulgence. Practice these easy etiquettes to avoid being conscious about where and what to do next during a fun meet-up.

Happy dining!

Caring for bathrooms the right way

Posted on October 31, 2022November 1, 2022 by Rekha Sathyan

Bathrooms are the most challenging part of any home to maintain. They can get easily stained, dirty, and smelly. This brings us to the question of what magic tools can help us through this dilemma.

Well, if not tools, we do have certain tricks up our sleeves to keep the bathrooms clean. And what are they? It’s accessories! Surprised much? Here’s how we arrived at this breakthrough…

Fabrics & more

We know for a fact that keeping hand towels and bath towels within one’s reach is a convenient way for everyone at home. So, for starters, placing them neatly on the side holders or racks can help people access them right when they have the need for them. This helps in reducing the dripping of water on the floor, the area around sinks, etc.

How is this important?

Well, the towels being placed far away from the wash area leads to dripping, which in turn makes the floor wet for a long time.

Following this, the fabric also plays a key role here. Cotton is always deemed the best to absorb water and that shall always remain the wise choice to opt for bathroom accessories as well. Learn more about why cotton is preferred for bath towels here.

Quick stops

Next comes the bathroom mats. They are really helpful in keeping the floors tidy. Again, a well-absorbable fabric is a necessity. For this accessory, placement is crucial. Based on the area of the bathroom, you can plan where to put them. If it’s a spacious bathroom, you can place them right outside the shower area and the door.

If you have a luxurious bathroom space, then considering placing a rug could also be a great option. Either way, mats can be a relief.

Clean & Clear

Now comes the big question. How are these tips in any way useful in maintaining a clean bathroom?

Having such small inputs as accessories allow the bathrooms to be dry at most times, and less slippery. During cleaning sessions, all you got to do is clean up the fabrics or replace them with new ones and reuse them at regular intervals. You don’t have to spend so much time scrubbing and rinsing the floors and slabs.

These were our quick hacks to let the bathrooms feel fresh and classy at the same time. Not convinced, are you? As we always say, try it to believe it!

Easy cleaning with cotton?

Posted on August 30, 2022August 30, 2022 by Rekha Sathyan

Why is cotton so important in your daily life? Is it because it has a great ability to control moisture and provide comfort? Yes, adding to the above-mentioned quality, it is also easy to wash and flexible to use. What more can we need from a cloth material?

Cotton fabric is breathable and absorbent hence it allows you to remain comfortable throughout the day. Also, it is soft and easily stretches, making it a convenient material to use, especially in hot climates.

Worried about stains on the plate?

Oh, kitchen towels are so helpful! From cleaning the dirt to wiping up fruits and vegetables. But why are they so underrated?

Kitchen towels may seem simple as an accessory, but for the one who loves cooking and baking, this is different. It is the most used and useful item out there. The texture of kitchen towels is supposed to be tough enough to handle all the rubbing and scrubbing. It should also be soft enough to absorb the spills and be kind to our hands.

Considering you have bought a new set of kitchen towels after reading this article, always remember to wash them before use. Pre-washing the product helps it to attain its maximum absorbency and be soft to the touch. Also, in some cases, the colour sticks to the fabric, making the colour fade during the initial wash. This is mostly found in silicone-coated unnatural fabrics. So machine wash can get tricky with those.

Don’t forget to keep the towel dry or else the moisture becomes a breeding spot for fungus and bacteria. Hanging them out in the sun to get them dry would help with proper air circulation. Or, for some, even the door handle would work.

A common problem with bath towels made of poor-quality cotton is that they shrink and become thinner after a few washes. This is why thorough cotton checks on brands are necessary.

Table napkins, the ultimate guide for table setting

Set your table with cloth napkins anytime you host a special meal or anytime you want to make your ordinary meal feel special. Even though cotton napkins have been there for ages, these table napkins seem to elevate the table setting.

Is it better to use cloth napkins for tables?

Cloth napkins are more eco-friendly than paper napkins. When you choose cloth napkins over paper napkins, you create less waste. And moreover, they look classier for your table.

How to arrange napkin on your dining table

Whether you are trying to host a dinner party or just decorating your dining table, whether it is a buffet or casual lunch with friends, napkins on your table can do wonders. So it is very important how you arrange your table napkins.

We all know that the fun of being a host to a function is decoration. Being the host, it’s your privilege to choose the colour and theme of the setting. You can experiment with ideas to arrange the table with just the table napkins. Placing them next to the plates is the most convenient way for guests to use the napkins. But why not have a little fun by creating new folds and patterns with it? Imagine cutleries wrapped in cotton napkins, doesn’t that look neat? We say, explore your creative side right here!

Bath towels: The most fashionable towel out there

Isn’t having a fresh hot shower a relaxation for many out there? While talking about showers, bath towels are one of the few main things that come to our minds. Bath towels are one of the most important household tools that we would not remember until and unless when in use. Keep a healthy shower habit by indulging in quality bathing accessories.

When you are looking to decorate your bathroom, you tend to opt for cosy, delicate and soft bath towels. Most people opt for cloth made of fine quality and of cotton. The smooth material will provide you with a comfortable and luxurious experience. Body care is an essential routine, and it all starts with basics like bath towels.

Do’s and don’ts of buying a bath towel

Choosing a bath towel is not a simple task because only a few suit your requirement. To do it rightly, you can try considering the following aspects which fasten the process of choosing.

Durability

This is the most important aspect that determines the value of your investment. You can ensure that the towel you choose is long-lasting by doing some research on the materials used in the towel and collecting reviews from customers who purchased them.

Luxury

Bath towels have the ability to make your bathing experience either disastrous or blissful. Towels of high-quality materials enhance a sense of comfort and joy in you adding a refreshing experience. So always be wise and don’t spoil the fun of this experience!

Size

You can choose the size of your bath towel with regard to your stature. Light-weighted ones can add to your convenience.

Inducing everyday accessories with cotton material is the best change that brings us close to the goal of zero waste. You can reuse them as many times as you want. You will save money and it is undoubtedly the best for the planet. We would love to know if you get to use cotton accessories too.

Guide to cleaning your Cotton Floor Cushions

Posted on August 21, 2020April 28, 2022 by Rekha Sathyan

Washing cushions could be a hassle sometimes. Though there are cushions that have separate covers that are considered easy to take out for a wash than those that are stitched up completely, keeping your cushions clean takes some effort.

General Cleaning

The traditional method of washing by tossing cushions in the machine may not be the best option for cleaning your floor cushions that are stitched up completely. If you are in that space of wondering what you can do to get floor cushions cleaned up, a general cleaning tip would be to vacuum them first. Vacuuming the cushions with an upholstery attachment regularly will remove any dirt, hair, or fur that get camouflaged with the cushion. Once you vacuum them be sure to use a damp sponge with some detergent and water to give the cushion a gentle wipe, spray some air refresher over it to give it some fragrance.

A majority of the cushion stains are caused by spills and accidents in the home. The method of cleaning the stains depends on what you have spilled and what fabric you have spilled it on. The key to removing any stain and saving your cushion is to deal with it as soon as possible. Stains that are given proper treatment at the right time helps to avoid a dirt spot in the future.

Dealing with Stains

Any fresh spills need to be scooped up immediately from the surface of the cushion, use a dry white cloth to blot out the stains and absorb as much as you can. Dampen another white cloth with some cool water to dab over the stain, work your way outside-in to avoid spreading the stain on the cushion.

Many stains get cleaned up by using just water. However, if that doesn’t do the job. You can dissolve some detergent in water or use some diluted stain remover to spray over the stain to repeat the dabbing processing before wiping it off with another clean cloth. Again, remember to work your way outside-in to avoid any spreading. Be careful not to use too much detergent, as you will need to get it off your cushion later.

Stubborn Stains

Some stubborn stains caused by chewing gum, ink, or oil might be a bit difficult to clean off from the cushions. Some home remedies might work. However, it is best to leave it for the professionals. Giving your cushions to the dry-cleaning services to have a look at the tough stains is worth the expense as they will be better judges of getting rid of the tough stubborn stains. Also ensure that you explain everything about the stain to the professions – the duration of the stain, the cause of the stain, etc. This would make it easier for them to provide the right treatment and restore it to its best condition. And always remember not to use bleach to brighten your cushions fabrics as this could weaken the fabric and cause it to lose its integrity.

Let’s talk about Thoppia’s Floor Cushions

Our Floor Cushions are filled with recron-fibers making them a unique product that is 100% washable and long-lasting.
The floor cushions are designed for daily use, you can indulge yourself in absolute relaxation without worrying about the cushion giving away.
Thoppia’s floor cushions are made from 100% cotton fabrics.

Some FAQs about Thoppia’s Floor Cushions

Will the floor cushions lose shape after washing?

The retention of the shape of your floor cushions is dependent on the material used in the filling. Using a filling that maintains its integrity even during wet conditions are the ones that survive the wash and retain their shape. Floor cushions made at Thoppia can be hand-washed as they are filled with recron-fibers. These fibers help the cushion retain the same shape after being completely soaked in water. However, the challenge is the time that takes for the cushions to dry up completely which is somewhere between 2 to 3 days.

Can the Floor cushion covers be removed for washing?

The floor cushions at Thoppia come intact with the filling. The covers are not separable and will need to be washed as a whole.

Will the floor cushion color fade after washing?

No, all our fabrics are checked for colorfastness. The colors won’t run on washing. It may get faded if you keep it on the sun for a longer time for drying or if you place it outdoors regularly.

How often do they need to be washed?

Our floor cushions can be washed once every 2 or 3 months depending on your usage. Regular vacuuming is sure to keep your cushions clean for longer.

What are the dimensions of the floor cushions?

The cushions form a square with every side measuring 51cm or 20 inches, while the thickness of the cushion is about 10cm or 4inches.

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